Christchurch, New Zealand: India claimed both reverse singles to snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory over New Zealand in their Davis Cup tie yesterday.
Victory in the Asia-Oceania second round tie qualifies India for the World Group play-offs in September.
New Zealand went into the final day in Christchurch with a 2-1 lead only to find themselves totally outplayed, with the two reverse singles settled in straight sets.
Somdev Devvarman (pictured), who lost his first singles game on Friday in five sets, made amends in his second outing when he saw off Marcus Daniell 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 sending the tie into a decisive fifth and final match.
Daniell, a doubles specialist who won Saturday with partner Artem Sitak, was a late change for the singles after Kiwi number one Rubin Statham pulled out of the reverse singles with influenza.
Yuki Bhambri then closed out the tie, taking just one hour 49 minutes to complete a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 win over New Zealand hope Michael Venus who had earlier beaten Devvarman.
Venus had a break point to go ahead 4-2 in the third set but could not convert and then had two break point chances to equalise at 4-4.
“I felt I played well. It was a game which had to be won,” Bhambri said.
“It’s so rare for India to win a tie after losing a doubles. I can’t remember us doing that.
“It was good to have (team captain) Anand Amritraj on the sideline he was so calm and helped me play well today.”
India now face a team from the first round of the World Group from earlier in the year, while New Zealand will remain in the Asia-Oceania Group One in 2016. AFP
